Akelarre
San Sebastian, Spain
Igeldo
Vibe
Perched on Monte Igeldo's cliffs, cantilevered stone cubes frame sweeping Cantabrian Sea views with quiet, modernist poise.
“Cantabrian cliffside hideaway”
Discreet service with bespoke turndown almond tarts, deep soaking tubs, and private indoor plunge pools overlooking the sea.
Five cantilevering stone cubes step down Monte Igeldo with slatted oak woodwork and curving ocean-facing terraces.
A stone-clad hydrotherapy pool, Turkish hammam, sauna, and ocean-view relaxation lounge offering targeted botanical spa rituals.
Perched on the cliffs of Monte Igeldo overlooking the Cantabrian Sea, ten minutes from San Sebastian.
“A stunning piece of modern architecture which adds 22 luxurious hotel rooms and a full-service spa to Pedro Subijana’s legendary restaurant.”
Rooms
Rooms face the ocean with pale oak and slate terraces, while Ocean Suites feature indoor stone plunge pools.
“Akelarre is more than a place to stay – it’s a slow, sensory unfolding.”
Wellness
A subterranean stone sanctuary houses a heated hydrotherapy pool with cervical waterfalls, a Turkish hammam, and an ocean-view relaxation room.
“Madrid practice Mecanismo Estudio has lined the public spaces with slatted timber screens, white-veined black stone, and low-slung broad-backed armchairs.”
Backstory
In 2017, chef Pedro Subijana expanded his legendary dining destination into hospitality, carving modernist stone pavilions into the Basque hillside.
Eat & drink
Beyond the flagship three-Michelin-starred restaurant, Espazio Oteiza serves seasonal Basque dishes and cocktails beside the sea-view terrace.
The neighborhood
Monte Igeldo's rugged coastal ridges offer quiet hiking trails, while central San Sebastian and its pintxo bars sit ten minutes away.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.